Abstract3D fabric preforms are used as reinforcements in composite applications. 3D woven preforms have a huge demand in ballistic applications, aircraft industry, automobiles and structural reinforcements. A variety of 3D woven fabric reinforced composites and two dimensional woven fabric reinforced laminates can be found in the literature. However, the majority of the said products lack in delamination resistance and possess poor out-of-plane mechanical characteristics, due to the absence or insufficiency of through-thickness reinforcement. 3D fully interlaced preform weaving introduces a method of producing fully interlaced 3D woven fabric structures with through-thickness reinforcement, which enhances the delamination resistance as well as out-of-plane mechanical characteristics. 3D woven fabric preforms made from 3D fully interlaced preform weaving, using high-performance fiber yarns such as Dyneema, Carbon, Kevlar and Zylon, have exceptional mechanical properties with light-weight characteristics, which make them suitable candidates for high-end technical composite applications. In this work, a brief introduction is given to the history of weaving followed by an introduction to 3D woven fabrics. In the existing literature, an emphasis is given to the 3D fully interlaced preform weaving process, distinguishing it from other 3D woven fabric manufacturing methods. Subsequently, a comprehensive review is made on the existing literature on 3D fully interlaced preform weaving devices, such as primary and secondary mechanisms as well as modelling of 3D woven fabric structures produced by 3D fully interlaced preform weaving. Finally, the authors attempted to discuss the existing research gaps with potential directions for future research.

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Purpose Technological innovation has become a significant part of textile and apparel industries. To become distinguished from competitors, it is essential to harness the potentials of the organizations in achieving higher speeds, faster delivery times, more precise research and development processes followed by modern manufacturing techniques, lower inventory and lower costs. This paper aims to present the risk factors, root causes and their impact related to technological innovation. This uncovers deeper problems inherent to the technological innovation process while providing insight to develop a more robust risk management strategy in marking the survival and growth of the organizations in the textile and apparel trade. Design/methodology/approach Literature review and structured interviews with industry experts were conducted to identify the risk factors and root causes associated with technological innovations related to textile and apparel industries. The impact of root causes to the risk factors was determined through priorities, derived according to analytic network process using Super Decision software. Findings Impact of the root causes on risk factors take different priorities, highlighting the most alarming root causes, which contribute more to the outcome. This provides insight for a more precise decision-making on the order of prioritization of root causes in managing risks involved. Originality/value Findings of this research provide insight on the most influential competencies of any textile and apparel organization for a thriving innovation. Profound knowledge on risk factors, root causes and their contribution to the outcome enhances complex decision-making. This ultimately leads to “credible performances’’ of the technological innovation and optimizing the resources available, which bridges the gap that exists in the current literature.

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